A WEEK IN EL SALVADOR: First Reflections

Even after two orientations, I had only a vague idea of what my eight-day trip to El Salvador was going to be like. Every time someone would ask why I was going to El Salvador or what I would be doing there, the only answer I could manage was that I was participating in a delegation of rabbinical students sponsored by the American Jewish World Service, and that we would be doing some sort of work and talking about justice.

Eight days later, I returned from a trip that was, in many ways, life changing.

For eight days I encountered the poverty and promise of the Global South (“developing world”) first hand. I met Salvadorians who risked their lives for the values they believe in, and learned about religious leaders who were martyred when they joined their battle. I saw the power of grassroots organizing first hand. I was moved to tears by the amazing strength and inspiring work of people who may never live with the kind of economic and political privilege afforded to me as an American. I learned about Liberation Theology and the impact of the Church in El Salvador, and was reminded of the obligation to defeat injustice that I will inherit as a member of the clergy. I questioned power structures, even as I was aware, sometimes painfully, of the challenging power dynamics my very presence imposed on my experience.

For eight days I lived among a diverse community of impassioned Jewish leaders and was surprised that after 4 years of working in Jewish pluralism, and living at Brandeis, I was only just beginning to realize the true power and beauty of bringing yourself fully to a pluralistic community. I was inspired by daring teachers and challenging colleagues. I was filled with an immense sense of awe at the possibilities for the Jewish communities future, even as the group challenged me to think critically about my own Jewish future.

For eight days my world was turned upside down, and for that I am most grateful. Back in the United States, I am only now really able to begin processing this intense experience. Over the next few days and weeks, as I process the insights gleaned from this short trip, I will continue to blog and write my reflections – stay tuned.